3 ms·

The gas comment and upsetting of irregularity might seem humorous to the author, but as a biologist and the child of two physicians (one being a gastroenterolog

by morbius 12y ago

The gas comment and upsetting of irregularity might seem humorous to the author, but as a biologist and the child of two physicians (one being a gastroenterologist), this seems very disconcerting. Certain foods that contain disproportionate amounts of certain ingredients (e.g. spices, excessive starches, excessive dietary fiber) do upset bowel movement patterns, but a mix of vitamins and nutrients shouldn't do that. It would be interesting to analyze the effects of a protein shake on bowel regularity and the effects of Soylent on bowel regularity on a single subject, and then compare the two. Also, foul-smelling gas is usually caused when the balance of the gut microbiome is disturbed in some significant way, and this factor combined with the effects described by the author make me very anxious about the probable proliferation of Soylent. It's one thing for short-term effects, but what about Soylent in the long term? A hampered gut microbiome is severely detrimental to the health of a person's immune system. EDIT: Just saw the amount of sucralose in each serving. Makes the gut irregularity a lot clearer. Still concerning, though.

timdorr 12y ago
There is also a adjustment period for any new diet, especially one as radically different as this one. Many of the folks who have been going the DIY route (http://diy.soylent.me/ http://diy.soylent.me/) have had this kind of thing happen to them. However, it normally clears up after the first week. The sucralose will certainly retain some of the irregularity, but I believe it will adjust to it over time as well.
brandon272 12y ago
Another explanation for the increase in gas and change in regularity might be that Soylent contains a fair amount of fibre, which is one thing that the typical American diet is lacking.
- jqm 12y ago
  In that case a possible solution would be several drops of beano per can.
ithought 12y ago
Interesting comment. I like the idea of Soylent but would never use it because of the malodextrin and sucralose. If it had some other (better) complex carbohydrate and stevia, then I might consider it.

by morbius 12y ago

timdorr 12y ago

There is also a adjustment period for any new diet, especially one as radically different as this one. Many of the folks who have been going the DIY route (http://diy.soylent.me/ http://diy.soylent.me/) have had this kind of thing happen to them. However, it normally clears up after the first week. The sucralose will certainly retain some of the irregularity, but I believe it will adjust to it over time as well.

brandon272 12y ago

Another explanation for the increase in gas and change in regularity might be that Soylent contains a fair amount of fibre, which is one thing that the typical American diet is lacking.

jqm 12y ago
In that case a possible solution would be several drops of beano per can.

ithought 12y ago

Interesting comment. I like the idea of Soylent but would never use it because of the malodextrin and sucralose. If it had some other (better) complex carbohydrate and stevia, then I might consider it.